Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The Punjab government has raised eyebrows yet again by borrowing Rs 1,000 crore through the issuance of State Development Loans (SDLs), despite consistent public assurances that the state’s treasury remains in stable condition.
The loan was raised on September 18 at an interest rate of 6.98%, according to official data. This marks the sixth straight month the state has sought funds from the open market, further intensifying concerns about its long-term fiscal roadmap.
Repayment Due by 2033
As per the official notification, the borrowed amount will be paid back over a period of eight years, with the full repayment deadline set for September 29, 2033. The recurring nature of these borrowings has led financial observers to question whether the state’s expenditure continues to outpace revenue, despite claims of sound fiscal management.
